J. W. Worthy to Aurelius, May the Lord's mercy abound!

     Job speaks surely for all mankind when in his sufferings he cries,  "Oh, that my words were now written! Oh, that they were graven in copper, with an iron stylus on lead, and carved in the rock for ever!"  His friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zohar come to console him, but only arouse his contempt for transitory mankind:  "No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you."  --So, for whom do we write?

     You, mild Aurelius, are content to address yourself  "to whatever little part of mankind may chance upon"  your words.  In fact, like Job, you too speak only to the good Lord, for before whom else is our confession sincere?   We have sinned against Him only; we pray to Him who knoweth what things we have need of, before we ask.

     But of the writing of books there is no end,  and not only in the heart of the prophet rageth Job's passion to put it all in writing!  So I too recall your words while I am pouring my heart out before that herd of sows who so gladly instruct Minerva.

                                                                            Your faithful

                                                                                                J. W. Worthy

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